The Case For The Arts: By cutting back on arts to strengthen their basic core curricula, schools may be taking a giant leap backward
By Eric OddleifsonArticle excerpt:
Supporting Evidence
The schools listed here are not selective, and their students are considered “average.” But they differ from other schools in having included the arts in their basic curricula.

Elm Elementary, Milwaukee, WI * In the bottom 10% in academic performance in 1979, Elm has been #1 out of 103 schools in its district for eight of the last ten years since introducing arts education.

Ashley River (K-6), Charleston, NC * Started in 1984, Ashley River is now ranked #2 in the county (second only to a high school for the academically gifted), and it has a waiting list of 1200 students.

St. Augustine (K-8), Bronx, NY * This 99% minority school was about to fail in 1984, but since introducing arts to the curriculum, 98% of the students have had reading and math scores at grade level (only three public schools in metropolitan New York can claim this).

Davidson (5-12), Augusta, GA * Fully integrated (50% white, 50% black) and ranked #1 in the county, Davidson has a waiting list of many hundreds.

FACE (K-11), Montreal, Canada * FACE students achieve higher scores in most academic subjects than five other local high schools combined. Test scores run an average of 20% higher than the scores of other Canadian students, even though the school is not selective.

Eliot Elementary, Needham, MA * Since integrating art into curriculum in 1983, the test scores for “average” 3rd-grade students in this racially mixed school have risen to the 97th to 99th percentile.

ANZA, Los Angeles, CA * Reading scores doubled one year after the introduction of a visual arts program.

Graduation and excellence are part of the picture.
Academic performance, drop out rates and attendance rates in Texas public schools correlated to fine arts course enrollment, according to an analysis of Texas high schools and middle schools conducted by the Texas Coalition for Quality Arts Education.Study: Texas Coalition for Quality Arts Education & Texas Music Educators Association. (2007). Study: Academic performance, drop out rates and attendance rates in Texas public schools correlated to fine arts course enrollment. Texas Coalition for Quality Arts Education & Texas Music Educators Association, 2007.Additional information: Staying in School: Arts Education and New York City High School Graduation Rates

Creative thinkers have an edge in business.
Graduates of Michigan State University Honors College (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) who later owned businesses or patents, had arts education that was up to eight times more than the average student.Study: A Young Picasso or Beethoven Could Be the Next Edison
Kristen Parker , Eileen Roraback , Rex LaMore
Oct. 23, 2013

In 2002 U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige published a report on “The Value Added Benefits of the Arts,” in which he states, ” Studies have shown that arts teaching and learning can increase students’ cognitive and social development. The arts can be a critical link for students in developing the crucial thinking skills and motivations they need to achieve at higher levels.”Study: Deasy, R. & Stevenson, L. (2002). The arts: Critical links to students success. The Arts Education Partnership, Council of Chief State school Officers. Washington, DC. Print.Note: This publication is a survey of 62 studies on the relationship between Arts and Academic learning.

Mentors and involved parents really do make a difference.
When enrolled in a program that encouraged adult support, students put increased effort towards academics.Study: Kaylor & Flores, 2008

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[…] This will be an inviting place for families and classmates to come view exhibits. LBLF is looking to the community collaboration from sponsors, teachers and artists to build this great addition to the library. Download a form HERE that will help you get involved. LBLF is sold on the important link between Arts and Literacy. Learn more about our research on the subject in our article: Art is a Springboard to Academic Learning. […]